MR C. W. BROUGHTON.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 316, 19 October 1865, Page 1

MR C. W. BROUGHTON.

Last week Mr C. W. Broughton, who has of late been acting as interpreter to the forces, was sent out to Patea by Brigadier-General Waddy in consequence of a letter sent in from Kakaratnea, that had been found stuck on a pole near that camp, and was signed by six Hatfrhaus, who asked an interview. He left by the Gundagai on Friday, taking with him a native named WiPuka. They arrived

at Patea at 4 p.m. on that day, and started off to Kakaramea, where they slept. About IX a.m. on Saturday they saw a man come out from a bush about a mile distant with a vvhite flag. They went to meet the man, being accompanied by an officer. They met on a hill on the other side of a bridge over the Makaka. a tributary of the Patea, and had a conversation. The native’s name was Atonika, and Mr Broughton was acquainted with him, having apprehended him some time ago in connection with stealing a horse. Mr Broughton asked him to bring a native named Ruka, an old friend of Mr Broughton’s, who used to be at Rangitikei. Meanwhile, in his absence, they returned to the pa and had some food, and on the two Maoris coming to the place of meeting they went out and held conversation, the same officer accompanying them. The pa which the two came from is Hoewaka, and is on the south side of the Patea, about three miles distant from Kakaramea; on a high ground mid waya white flag was hoisted. Mr Broughton gave Ruka some brandy, tobacco, and biscuits, and Ruka asked him to go to the pa. He said he wished first to know what was the meaning of the words they had written—“ Kanohi, kanohi, amangi, amangai—(face to face, voice to voice).” Ruka replied that they were written because of the Governor’s proclamation of peace. Wi Puka objected to Mr Broughton’s going, on the ground that these natives now worshipped a strange god, and had no compunction in killing anyone. Mr Broughton said, “ Return to-morrow, and let me hear what you have to say to my conversation. They returned to Kakaramea, and remained there all night. Next day (Sunday) at 9 a.m., the officer, Mr Broughton, and Wi Puka, again went out and met Atonika, wiio came, accompanied by a young man whom they did not know. Atonika again invited them to the pa, bat they objected to go, as Ruka had not come. The young man was sent to bring Ruka, and the others returned to Kakaramea. At 11 a.m. the youth returned, and said that Ruka would meet them at a small clump of bush a little further away from Kakarameo. Wi Puka objected; but the officer and Mr Broughton went forward with the young man ; and Wi Puka followed at a little distance, and on a different track, and saw another native named Enoka, also known to Mr Broughton, come down and join the party. Ruka was not there, but Enoka, who, as well as his companion, had Maori arms, but uo guns, said that he was at a place further on, and asked them to go forward. Wi Puka again objected to go further, —his suspicions having been excited. At twelve o’clock Ruka came down. They remained talking till 2 o’clock when Mr Broughton pulled out his watch and said, “ Well, I shall go, I am now convinced that there is no

danger.” Wi Puka said, “No! You will be killed.” Mr Broughton said to the officer and Wi Puka “ You had better return and I will go on.” Wi Puka said, “ Well, Euka, I leave Broughton in your hands, you will be answerable for him.” “ All right,” said Euka, and they went away to Hoewaka, the officer and Wi Puka returning to Karakamea. Next morning Wi Puka rose at 4 o’clock and saw some fires about three miles distant. At 7 a.m. three shots were fired in rapid succession at Hoewaka, and immediately afterwards a red flag was hoisted. It was the King’s flag. At 9 a.m. the white flag on the high point was taken down. Wi Puka has no doubt Mr Broughton has been murdered ; but it is quite possible that be may only have been made a prisoner. The firing of the three shots is the circumstance most difficult to account for on the supposition that he is in life.—Wanganui Chronicle, Oct. 4.

The last news regarding our unfortunate townsman is that he was tomahawked by the rebels on Sunday afternoon before he arrived at the pa for which he was bound. This information was given by a native who is allowed to visit the Mauawapou redoubt, and there is to 6 much reason to fear that it is correct. There is no sign of any natives being about the pa, and they seem to have cleared out shortly after. The murdered gentleman, went out at the end of last week, anxious to go up to the pa, but was advised not to do so by the officer in command at

Kakaramea, and up to the date of last accounts had not proceeded,—Wanganui Chronicle, 11th October. The p.s. Favorite arrived last night from Patea, hut no news of the above gentleman His brother, Mr E. Broughton, left Patea with the escort for Kakaramea on Tuesday last. It is the almost universal opinion that this case is hopeless.—Wanganui Times, 13 th October. [From a private source we learn that the body of the unfortunate gentleman was cut to pieces and burnt by the savages. Our correspondent speaks of “ our mad Governor and his silly proclamation” in alluding to the manner of its reception by the rebels of Wanganui.— Ed. H. B. T.